Cork Primary Schools Shine at the Inaugural Re-turn Awards
Primary school students from across Cork didn't hold back at the very first Re-turn Awards this week. Over 250 students and teachers gathered at Croke Park to celebrate the fantastic ways primary schools are using the Deposit Return Scheme to boost sustainability, raise funds and create positive change in their local areas.
Hosted by Today FM presenter Ian Dempsey, the event recognised 16 winning schools from a pool of more than 300 entries across Ireland. While competition was tough, two Cork schools walked away with major honours and €1,000 prizes for their incredible efforts.
Re-turn Local Legends Award (Medium School) – St Joseph's N.S.Pictured at the inaugural Re-turn Awards at Croke Park are students and teachers from St Joseph's N.S., Cork, winners of €1,000 for their Re-turn Local Legends Award (Medium School)-winning initiative.
Community Heroes and Local Legends
St. Joseph’s National School in Fermoy secured the Re-turn Local Legends Award for medium-sized schools with their brilliant "Cans for Classrooms & Calm" campaign. The initiative united pupils, families, staff, local employers and sports partners in a massive community effort. Their hard work is going toward an incredible goal, helping to raise €20,000 for a dedicated sensory room and 20 iPads.
Meanwhile, Kildorrery National School took home the Re-turn Heroes Award. Their project was driven by the heartwarming dedication of two local grandparents, Eileen and Mario. Their weekly commitment to collecting and returning donated bottles and cans has helped fund essential school projects, including a sensory pod, while also supporting local charities.
The Top Prize Goes to Dublin
While Cork schools had a spectacular day out, the overall Re-turn Award went to Pelletstown Educate Together National School in Dublin. They received the top prize of €5,000 for their highly imaginative "Monster Bin" initiative.
A Proud Moment for the Rebel County
Former Irish rugby international and guest judge Donncha O’Callaghan praised the passion of the students. He noted how fantastic it was to see schools embrace the scheme in such a creative way. He highlighted that students and teachers aren't just helping the environment but are also raising vital funds for projects that make a real difference in their school and communities. He expressed particular pride in the creativity, commitment and community spirit shown by both Kildorrery National School and St. Joseph's National School.
Re-turn CEO Ciarán Foley echoed those thoughts, adding that the response exceeded all expectations. He pointed out that the creativity, teamwork and enthusiasm shown by students, teachers and wider school communities has been incredibly inspiring.
The Full Roll of Honour
Here is the complete list of the 16 winning schools recognised for their hard work:
· Overall Re-turn Award Winner: Pelletstown Educate Together National School, Dublin
· Judges’ Commendation Award: St. Malachy’s BNS, Dublin
· Local Legends Award (Large School): Scoil Angela, Ursuline Primary School, Tipperary
· Local Legends Award (Medium School): St. Joseph’s National School, Cork
· Local Legends Award (Small School): Kilmore Central National School, Cavan
· Student Achievement Award: St Aengus National School, Donegal
· Heroes Award: Kildorrery National School, Cork
· Leadership Award: Mary Queen of Angels, Dublin
· Creativity Award: Nagle-Rice Primary School, Kerry
· Ingenuity Award: St Patrick’s National School Greystones, Wicklow
· Awareness Campaign Award: Scoil Naomh Mhuire, Limerick
· Fundraising Award: Loreto Primary School, Dalkey, Dublin
· Teamwork Award: St. Anne’s and St. Joseph’s Primary Schools, Rathkeale, Limerick
· Social Impact Award: Libermann Spiritan School, Dublin
· Most Returned Award: St. John’s Special School, Waterford
· Sustainability Education Award: Queen of Angels Primary School, Dublin
Since the scheme launched in 2024, primary schools have clearly shown that recycling is a brilliant way to educate the next generation while supporting local communities. With such strong entries in its first year, the future of the Re-turn Awards is definitely looking bright.
